May 10, 2012

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, 

but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. 

Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will.
Romans 12:2

Thoughts~

Many years ago I worked at a place where I was easily influenced by the actions of others. I’d been through some tough times and didn’t run to the Lord for comfort, but ran away from His will. While I never stopped believing in Him, I wasn’t leading a life style that pleased Him at all. In all honesty, I wanted to fit in with all my co workers more than I wanted to please God. My walk with Him was like a teeter totter, weak, strong, weak, strong.

When I was with believers, I felt fulfilled and charged with energy, excited to talk about the Lord. But most of the time I was with people of the world.  Likable people, for sure, but people who did not set God as their standard and lived wilder lives than I ever had before.

I sadly conformed to their standards and God allowed me to flounder around for some time before He grabbed a hold of me by the arm pits and straightened me out. In a short four hour period, using the first “Left Behind” book by Jerry Jenkins and Tim LaHaye, God did a deep cleanse of my soul. I threw away the filth and never looked back.

He began transforming my mind, day by day so that He could use me to encourage other women and men and share my faith with more conviction. I was totally embarrassed that I allowed myself to waiver from the way He asked me to live, but thankfully His forgiveness and love are unconditional. The more I read His word, the more I studied, the more I knew what His will was and how He wanted me to live my life. I have been transformed by the King of Kings.

Action~

Someone told me that with all the lists I encourage my readers to make, I should suggest a notebook. Well, it’s time for another list so pull out a notebook, index card or piece of paper. This is going to be tougher on you so make sure you have a little time.

If Jesus appeared before you right this minute, what would He ask you to give up? I am not even listing all the sins and bad choices we all make, but, if you’re like the rest of us, I’m sure you immediately thought “uh oh, I know what He would ask me to give up!!!” Start listing those things and ask Him to give you the strength to give every single thing up that does not bring glory to Him. (I pray right now for your strength.)

Does your life style reflect a God who loves you and gave you the gift of eternity when you came to know His son as your savior? Can He use you to share your faith or do other things that you are doing take away from that possibility? Look at your Facebook page.  Is it filled with some “God talk” but a lot of junk and coarse jokes? Are you on a teeter totter?

Pray~

Your Amazing love and guidance makes me happy to be your child; I want to walk in Your will and live exactly how You want me to. Lord, please open my eyes wide to see the ways I am conforming to the world and not to your word. Change me from the inside out.

Trusting in Him,

Becky


https://www.facebook.com/TrustHimAlways

May 9, 2012

The Lord has done great things for us,
and we are filled with joy.

Psalm 126:3

Thoughts~

In the past, my life was simply too busy. Family, work, friends, church, events, vacations etc, took up my waking hours. God used the recession, with me kicking up some dust, to slow me down and remake my lifestyle. During the changes, I often ran to Him with dilemmas, trials and requests but sadly, I way too often forgot to truly thank Him for all He was doing in my life. One day I realized I was not showing Him my appreciation enough and decided to make a Thankful Tin. I made a large one for my home out of a tin coffee can and a smaller, “on the go” version, out of a mint tin. I keep slips of paper nearby that I can jot down quick thank-you’s to the Lord.

I have had people ask about my tin and I am given an opportunity to share my faith and how much I appreciate all God is doing in my life. I love tools like this for opening up conversations! Can you picture a man in his office having a small tin on his desk and being able to share Jesus when asked about it? Or a woman who has a small one in her car, using it in the same way when she is carpooling? However it is used is wonderful, but mostly, it will affect your life if you decide to make one. You’ll realize how much God does for you and will be so thankful you are His child. You’ll feel the joy!

Action~

Make yourself a Thankful Tin.  These tins are wonderful tools that teach children of all ages, 2 to 102, girls and boys, women and men, to thank God for all He does for us. Cut up slips of paper to use to write thank you notes to God for the great things He is doing in your life. Decorate the tin if you prefer, find an old tin in the garage, or even buy something at the dollar store.

I actually recycle papers and magazines to use as my “thankful slips.” I fold paper in half and cut out hearts but yours can be whatever shape you prefer. Keep a stack of the slips for the whole family, or you alone, to use to thank God for the great things He has done for you. Go through the jar occasionally. You’ll be amazed at how little you thanked Him for things until you start a Thankful Tin. Each month you can empty it, tuck the old notes in an envelope and date it, to be read one day when you need the reminder of the great things He does for you.

Pray~

Lord, I want to thank YOU for the great things you have done, and are doing, in my life. I know there are things I don’t even see, but for the things I do, thank you from the bottom of my heart.


Trusting in the Lord,
Becky


https://www.facebook.com/TrustHimAlways